SOMETIMES a rugby match can be decided by the finest of margins, which was the case as Northwich RUFC lost 26-21 at Burnage.
The contest was one of contrasting halves, with Northwich dominating the first 40 minutes and Burnage controlling the second half.
A dip in energy and some ill-discipline put paid to the Northwich ambitions as they were only able to take a losing bonus point from a hard-fought match.
The visitors seemed to be in complete control until in the 13th minute when a Burnage penalty was followed by a quick tap and after some neat handling the home side scored a converted try.
Ten minutes later man-of-the-match Juan Smit broke the Burnage line and found Zac Richardson with an inside pass to score, with Oscar Malik converting.
On the half-hour a break and pass by Boitumelo Tsatsane gave Tom Husbands the opportunity to attack. He kicked ahead and Tsatsane collected the ball to score another converted try.
As the half was ending a lineout on the halfway line was quickly passed to Richardson who sprinted for the line, catching the Burnage defence asleep. Malik added the extras for a 21-7 interval lead.
Whatever was said at the break had a positive effect on the home side as they came out all guns blazing.
Within three minutes of the restart they narrowed the gap with a well-taken converted try off the back of a lineout.
Ten minutes later the match was tied when the home side went on the attack and some slick handling created the space for another converted try.
Two penalty kicks moved Burnage six points clear and this seemed to bring much needed life back into Blacks.
However, the resolute home defence remained intact, leaving Northwich wondering what might have been.
The coaching staff were understandably disappointed with the outcome but will be encouraged by a first-half performance that was full of promise.
This week the lads are preparing for an early kick-off to accommodate the travelling visitors from Douglas, Isle of Man, with the match to get going at 1.15pm.
